FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a member?
Current boundaries of the Mission Hills BID are India Street/San Diego Avenue on the West. Lewis Street/Ft Stockton on the North, Front Street on the East and Reynard Way & Arroyo and India Street to Redman on the South.

What are the benefits of membership in the MHBID?
- A unified voice at City Hall
- Networking opportunities with local, state and nationally elected officials
- The ability to organize groups and committees to market the business district and undertake various improvement projects
- Access to resources to conduct special events
- Support and information

What types of services and projects does the MHBID provide?
- Additional street cleaning
- Neighborhood tree plantings
- Marketing of events
- Neighborhood enhancements

Do I have to pay dues?
Your business is auomatically assessed a BID fee which is included in your annual business liscense with the City. The funds are earmarked to speciffically benefit Mission Hills.

Benefits of a BID
- A BID unifies all businesses to work toward a common goal, that often economically revitalize Business District.
- A BID mitigates retail sales leakage by allowing the area to compete more effectively for regional market share through the generation of greater local marketing resources and strengths.
- A BID supports businesses in the area through commercial recruitment, retention and promotion as well as through the sponsorship of "shop at home" and downtown image-building campaigns.
- A BID creates a strong unified voice to represent business interests to local government agencies.
- A BID funds other projects such as clean-up programs, decorations, parks and special events.
- A BID assists in leveraging public and private resources for program activities, development projects and other commercial revitalization efforts.

Traditional BID Programs
(Listed In Order of Most Commonly Implemented)
- Commercial Marketing Programs:
- Establishment of a permanent Commercial Marketing Committee.
- Development and implementation of a commercial marketing strategy and image building theme.
- Development of a "shop locally" campaign as a means of offsetting existing retail sales leakage.
- Development of a coordinated annual program of retail-oriented promotions, events and activities.
- Development of an annual program of special events and activities.
- Publication of a "Directory of Downtown Goods and Services."
- Stimulation of tourism activity.

Civic Beautification Programs And Projects:
(Physical image-building)
- Streetscape improvement projects such as street furniture and street trees, tree grates.
- Development of a program of visual amenities such as flags, banners, seasonal decorations, etc.
- Establishment of a public arts program.
- Development of improved, more aesthetic, public-private signage.
- Development of entranceway monumentation, signage, arches and decorations.

Commercial Recruitment and Retention Programs:
(Filling commercial vacancies with the most desirable new businesses)
- Carry out surveys to determine most desired new businesses to fill existing vacancies or vacancies as they occur.
- Encourage successful existing businesses to re-locate and/or expand into stronger locations within project area.
- Attempt to strengthen desired existing businesses that may be weak or failing.
- Attempt to discourage "hobby businesses" or "functional vacancies "that weaken the project area's vitality.

BID Programs Administration:
(Providing a support system for BID programs)
- Hire part-time or full-time BID Programs Administrator.
- Set up an organizational office, if possible.

Parking Improvements:
- Expansion and beautification of existing parking.
- Work to improve public knowledge of existing parking through sponsorship of maps and signage.
- Provide an organized lobbying force to work for public parking improvements